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After all, Pulis stands on a good base. With Wolves, Cardiff and Fulham having moved on, Boro are left with the second best record last season of the remaining clubs.

So, promotion is theirs to win - or lose - in the new season.

Although all three relegated clubs from the Premier League were unable to bounce straight back up last season, it is a regular occurrence for one of the trio to be successful at the first attempt.

On the other hand, it’s very unusual for a club promoted from League One to win a second consecutive promotion.

So, assuming that either Stoke, West Brom or Swansea return immediately to the top flight, Boro are bidding to improve a squad which statistically is already among the best three equipped sides in the Championship.

All the more reason to hold on to our better players, because Boro have a real chance of stepping up on last season if Pulis manages to bring in the right additions to the squad.